CLEVELAND -- The Red Sox were hoping that baseball would bring some normalcy back to the city of Boston.

Boston was rocked on Monday by two explosions near the finish line of the Boston Marathon. Three people were killed and more than 180 injured with some losing limbs. The Red Sox first learned about the tragedy as they were leaving Fenway Park on Monday after their 3-2 win over Tampa Bay.

"Our minor inconvenience pales in comparison to all that took place at the bombings," Red Sox manager John Farrell said before Tuesday's game at Progressive Field. "When it hits this close to home, it takes on an added dimension.

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"There have been occurrences in society where sports provide a vehicle for that normalcy to get back in order. Tonight, once that first pitch is thrown, our guys will focus solely on the task at hand. I would hope those in Boston that watch this team, watch our players, will gain some sense in some diversion and get back to that normalcy."

Farrell, a former Indians pitcher, said he was never able to attend the Boston Marathon.

"I've never attended in large part because it's going on while we're playing," he said. "Patriot's Day is a great celebration in Boston. It's a spectacle that's drawn world-wide attention. To see this tragedy mar that is a cowardly act, and unfortunately, many people are now suffering."

Red Sox third baseman Will Middlebrooks said he was shocked when he heard the news.

"It was surreal for everyone," he said. "I don't know why someone would do something like that."

He said it was difficult to even read the stories online.

"There are some gruesome pictures out there," Middlebrooks said.

He said watching the Red Sox play would boost morale in the Boston area.

"People live and breathe Red Sox baseball," he said. "It's a good thing we're out of town. If we were in town, I don't think we'd play. It will give them something else to watch on TV."

The NBA Celtics and NHL Bruins had games canceled.

Pitcher Steven Wright, a former Indians farmhand, said baseball could be a good diversion.

"I think it takes your mind off it," he said. "It's hard not to think about what happened because it's tragic. It gives people a mindset about something different. Everything you hear is about the bombings and people getting injured. Going out there and playing, it will give them something else on TV."

The Indians and Red Sox wore black armbands for Tuesday's game. The flag was at half-staff, and there will be a moment of silence before the game.

"Our players will wear armbands in this series as a show of our respect, support and sympathy to the city of Boston," Indians president Mark Shapiro said.